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Joyous Akhtar lauds ICC decision

Pakistan pace demon Shoaib Akhtar on Thursday welcomed the International Cricket Council (ICC) ruling that has left him free to terrify top batsman once more - and said he was looking forward to getting a good night's sleep.

"I am overjoyed. I was banned wrongly but I am thankful to the Almighty and will get my sleep back," Akhtar declared.

The ICC, in a landmark decision, announced on Thursday that it had revoked the powers of its advisory panel to ban bowlers with suspect actions.

The decision will automatically reinstate Akhtar in Test cricket.

"I had lost my sleep although from inside I was convinced that I would play in Test cricket again," he said.

"I knew I would be back to thrill the crowds the world over. I play for my country and to entertain the crowds."

The 24-year-old Akhtar, dubbed the Rawalpindi Express for his blistering bowling generally regarded as the world's fastest, was banned on December 30 after match referee John Reid of New Zealand found he had a suspect action. He was allowed to play in the tri-series in Australia last month.

"I was under Darryl Foster in the Australian Academy in Perth and improved my action. Legendary Australian pacer Dennis Lillee said there is no problem with my action," he added.

Akhtar is now hoping to develop as a better bowler with Nottinghamshire in the coming county cricket season.

"I look forward to playing in England and take this as a challenge. I will talk to the Board officials to give me a break from Pakistan's assignments in Dhaka and Sri Lanka so I can play a full season."

The speedster hit the limelight during last year's World Cup in England when he was tipped to become the first bowler to cross the 100-mile barrier with his thunderbolts.

Subsequently Akhtar was signed by the English county for a record contract last year but the ban and Pakistan's assignment coinciding with the English season threatened his stint in county cricket.

Nottinghamshire's acquisition of Akhtar's services has sparked a surge in interest at the county side, with big increases in membership since his signing.